Sylvain Armand

French left-back who won titles with Nantes and PSG, known for loyalty and versatility.

Sylvain Armand (born 1 August 1980) is a French former professional footballer who played as a left-back for Rennes, Paris Saint-Germain, Nantes, and Clermont.

Quick Facts

Born: 1 August 1980
Birthplace: Saint-Étienne, France
Height: 1.82 m / 6 ft
Position: Left-back
Total caps: 534
Total goals: 20

Lore & Background

Born in Saint-Étienne, Loire, Armand started youth football for AS Saint-Étienne in 1994. He moved to Clermont Foot in 1999 for his professional debut. In 2000, he joined Nantes, making his Division 1 debut on 9 September 2000 against AJ Auxerre. He won the 2001 Division 1 championship and scored in the 2001 Trophée des Champions.

He also scored a memorable UEFA Champions League goal against Lazio in 2001–02. In 2004, he and Nantes teammate Mario Yepes moved to Paris Saint-Germain for about $5 million. He won the 2006 Coupe de France, was voted best PSG player for 2006–07, and signed a two-year extension in 2006–07. He won the 2008 Coupe de la Ligue and the 2010 Coupe de France.

In July 2009, he signed a three-year contract until 2012. On 17 April 2011, he played his 319th game for PSG, overtaking Bernard Lama's record. In September 2011, he signed a one-year extension until 2013. He made his 400th appearance for PSG in Le Classique against Marseille, a 2–0 win.

PSG won the 2012–13 Ligue 1 title. In his last PSG appearance, against FC Lorient, he was given the captaincy armband as a farewell gesture. He joined Rennes on a free transfer on 3 June 2013, signing until 2015. He announced on 14 January 2017 that he would end his career at the end of the season. After retiring, he became deputy of Rennes' director of recruitment in July 2017.

Reader's Guide

Armand played as a left-back but also featured at centre-back, defensive midfield, and left midfield for PSG. He was rarely injured or suspended, missing only eight domestic league games between 2004 and 2008 according to the source. He formed an efficient partnership on the left flank with Jérôme Rothen. After Carlo Ancelotti replaced Antoine Kombouaré, Armand struggled to remain a regular starter due to new players brought in by Qatari owners. He thought about leaving but stayed for the 2012–13 season hoping to win the French championship.